German Cockroaches

German Cockroach Identification & Control in North Atlanta Homes

German cockroaches are the most common indoor roach problem we see in North Atlanta homes, and also the hardest to eliminate without professional help. Unlike larger roaches that wander in from outside, German cockroaches move inside and stay inside, nesting close to food, warmth, and moisture.

If you’re spotting small roaches during the day, seeing them scatter when lights turn on, or noticing activity in your kitchen or bathrooms, there’s a strong chance German cockroaches have already settled in. 

Identification: What German Cockroaches Look Like

German cockroaches are smaller than most roaches, but they make up for it by reproducing incredibly fast.

Quick ID

• Color: Light brown to tan
• Size: About ½ inch as adults
• Markings: Two dark parallel stripes behind the head
• Wings: Present but rarely used
• Antennae: Long and thin
• Nymphs: Very small, darker brown, wingless
• Egg cases: Light brown, capsule-shaped (often carried by the female)

German Cockroach Egg Cases: Why Infestations Spread So Fast

German cockroaches reproduce faster than any other household roach.

• Each egg case can contain 30–40 eggs
• Females carry the egg case until just before hatching
• One infestation can explode into hundreds in weeks

This is why seeing “just one or two” German cockroaches almost always means there are many more hiding nearby.

German vs Asian Cockroaches: How to Tell the Difference

These two species are often confused, especially in Georgia.

German Cockroach

• Indoor pest
• Found in kitchens and bathrooms
• Rarely flies
• Hides in cracks, appliances, and cabinets
• Reproduces extremely fast

Asian Cockroach

• Outdoor pest
• Found in mulch, leaf litter, and yards
• Strong flyer and attracted to lights
• Asian roaches are less likely to infest homes

Where Do German Cockroaches Hide Inside a Home?

German cockroaches prefer tight, hidden spaces close to food and water.

Common hiding spots

• Inside kitchen cabinets and drawers
• Behind refrigerators and dishwashers
• Under sinks and inside vanity cabinets
• Inside wall voids and electrical outlets
• Around microwaves, coffee makers, and toasters
• Bathroom cabinets and laundry rooms

They squeeze into spaces as thin as a credit card and often nest within a few feet of food sources.

What Attracts German Cockroaches to Homes?

German cockroaches don’t need much to survive.

Common attractants

• Crumbs and grease buildup
• Pet food left out overnight
• Leaking pipes or condensation
• Cluttered cabinets and storage areas
• Shared walls in townhomes or apartments
• Grocery bags, boxes, and deliveries

They’re especially common in multi-family housing but spread easily into single-family homes.

Are German Cockroaches Harmful?

Yes. German cockroaches are among the most problematic household pests.

They can:

• Spread bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli
• Trigger asthma and allergy symptoms
• Contaminate food and surfaces
• Leave droppings and shed skins behind

Because they live so close to food and cooking areas, the health risk is higher than with outdoor roach species.

Why DIY Sprays Fail Against German Cockroaches

Buying a can of roach spray or other DIY product is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make. Store-bought sprays don’t work on infestations for a few reasons, including:

• Sprays kill visible roaches but miss the nest
• Roaches scatter deeper into walls and cabinets
• Eggs are unaffected
• Chemical resistance is common in German cockroaches

In many cases, spraying actually causes the infestation to spread further throughout the home.

How Do German Cockroaches Get Inside?

German cockroaches usually enter homes in the following ways:

• Grocery bags and cardboard boxes
• Used furniture or appliances
• Deliveries and packages
• Shared plumbing or walls
• Visitors from infested locations

Once inside, they rarely leave on their own.

What Should I Do If I See German Cockroaches?

Act fast. Waiting even a few weeks can allow the population to multiply.

• Avoid spraying store-bought insecticides
• Clean food residue and grease thoroughly
• Store food in sealed containers
• Fix leaks and moisture issues
• Reduce cabinet clutter
• Contact a professional pest control company

How to Prevent German Cockroach Infestations

To prevent German cockroach infestations, implement the following prevention tips:

• Keep kitchens and bathrooms clean and dry
• Seal entry points
• Limit cardboard storage indoors
• Inspect groceries and deliveries
• Maintain routine professional pest control

When Should I Call a Pest Control Company?

If you’re seeing German cockroaches, or even one roach, professional treatment is strongly recommended.

got bugs? has been serving the North Atlanta metro since 2006. Our locally owned, family-operated pest control company specializes in eliminating German cockroach infestations with targeted treatments that address all life stages. Moreover, we offer ongoing residential pest control plans that prevent re-infestations. 

If you’re seeing small roaches indoors, don’t wait. Contact got bugs? today.